Ron Paul‘s many fervid supporters – as well as voters who are simply unhappy with either of the major-party nominees – can rest assured that votes cast in California for the Republican iconoclast will be counted. Paul is one of four write-in candidates to qualify in the presidential race.

“People want to send a message,” said Libertarian Gail Lightfoot, Paul’s vice presidential running mate in California. “I’m not going to vote for the lesser of two evils. I believe in justice and freedom, and I want to vote for what I believe in.”

Lightfoot, a San Luis Obisbo resident who is visiting family in Anaheim right now, said she got herself and Paul qualified as write-ins in response to many Paul supporters who said they would be writing his name on the ballot regardless of his status. She said the process was pretty simple – she just had to get signatures from 55 Paul backers who were registered to vote in the state.

Martin Wisckol covers coastal environment and development. Previously, he spent two decades as politics reporter and columnist for the Orange County Register. He’s also held reporting positions in Miami, Jacksonville, Detroit and his hometown of San Diego, with an emphasis on land use and urban planning. He is a lifelong surfer and has spent most of his life on the coast. His work has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Headliner Awards, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, the Florida Press Club and the American Planning Association Florida Chapter.